Analysis of environmental issues related to small-scale hydroelectric development. V. Instream flow needs for fishery resources

Technical Report · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:6055824

Loar, J M; Sale, M J

The growing recognition nationwide of the importance of protecting these instream uses of water has coincided with the recent emphasis on the development of small-scale hydropower resources. The issue of instream flow maintenance in hydropower development is essentially a problem of evaluating the effects of planned modifications in hydrologic patterns. Because hydroelectric projects can alter natural flow regimes on both spatial and temporal scales, downstream water users and the aquatic ecosystem and primarily fish, can be adversely affected. Numerous methods which differ in their use of hydrologic records, hydraulic simulation techniques, and habitat rating criteria have been developed to assess the effects of stream flow regulation on aquatic biota and to provide instream flow recommendations. Consequently, guidance is needed to ensure that the most appropriate methods are selected for instream flow assessments at small-scale hydroelectric sites.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6055824
• Report Number(s): ORNL/TM-7861; ON: DE82000901
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

13 HYDRO ENERGY
130600* -- Hydro Energy-- Environmental Aspects
29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
296001 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power Generation-- (-1989)
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
DAMAGE
ECOSYSTEMS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FISHES
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
POWER PLANTS
RESOURCES
SMALL-SCALE HYDROELECTRIC POWER PLANTS
USES
VERTEBRATES
WATER REQUIREMENTS
WATER RESOURCES